Coming off two predictions posts to kick off the year, anything that ties into Nostradouglas’ forward-looking themes has been jumping off my social media page. This week’s features include hatred toward IPAs reaching viral status (again) on TikTok, a local brewery’s venture into
The combination of "Domestic" and "Premium" is curious for sure, but being from Minnesota it immediately brings to mind a local beer that somewhat occupies this space in my mind and Minnesota liquor stores and taprooms- Grain Belt Premium. Been around for quite some time and is definitely a macro lager, often categorized on tap lists as a domestic, but is brewed by Schell's brewing - a "craft" brewery. Schell's bought the branding and recipes in 2002, and has been separately marketing and selling Grain Belt and Schell's suite of beers. They even have two different websites, not really mentioning Grain Belt on the Schell's website. Feels like a semi-relevant precursor event to Sun King's new efforts to revive Indianapolis Brewing Company. Granted, Schell's did this in a very different beer landscape - much before my time on the scene. But interesting nonetheless. I'm excited to see what happens, as I've found myself recently appreciating classic lagers more and more.
Hi agree Doug, I'm unsure if "Domestic" and "Premium" work well together. Down-under, "domestic premium" was once a large profitable segment, however was crushed by the rise of Craft, cheap international imports and supermarket white label brands. I would like to see this segment grow again and be owned by indie brewers broadening their portfolio beyond traditional 'craft'
The drama in IHateIPA's TikToks is indeed amusing. We all know Imperial Anti-Hero is delicious and you generally don't force yourself to drink styles you hate, which allows IPA drinkers to suspend disbelief. Cheers to her for finding a sizable niche.
The combination of "Domestic" and "Premium" is curious for sure, but being from Minnesota it immediately brings to mind a local beer that somewhat occupies this space in my mind and Minnesota liquor stores and taprooms- Grain Belt Premium. Been around for quite some time and is definitely a macro lager, often categorized on tap lists as a domestic, but is brewed by Schell's brewing - a "craft" brewery. Schell's bought the branding and recipes in 2002, and has been separately marketing and selling Grain Belt and Schell's suite of beers. They even have two different websites, not really mentioning Grain Belt on the Schell's website. Feels like a semi-relevant precursor event to Sun King's new efforts to revive Indianapolis Brewing Company. Granted, Schell's did this in a very different beer landscape - much before my time on the scene. But interesting nonetheless. I'm excited to see what happens, as I've found myself recently appreciating classic lagers more and more.
Hi agree Doug, I'm unsure if "Domestic" and "Premium" work well together. Down-under, "domestic premium" was once a large profitable segment, however was crushed by the rise of Craft, cheap international imports and supermarket white label brands. I would like to see this segment grow again and be owned by indie brewers broadening their portfolio beyond traditional 'craft'
The drama in IHateIPA's TikToks is indeed amusing. We all know Imperial Anti-Hero is delicious and you generally don't force yourself to drink styles you hate, which allows IPA drinkers to suspend disbelief. Cheers to her for finding a sizable niche.